2 arrested in protest held by opposition in Male’

Maldives Police Service, on Tuesday, arrested two people from a protest staged by the opposition PPM-PNC coalition in Male’.

Protesters gathered at the Chandhanee Magu-Majeedhee Magu junction at approximately 08:30 pm, but were dispersed by the police, following which they marched along the streets chanting their demands.

They made multiple attempts to reassemble at the Chandhanee Magu-Majeedhee Magu junction, and a police spokesperson said the police arrested two protesters who refused to follow orders during the attempt to disperse protesters from the area.

The police used pepper spray in arresting one of the protesters.

Muzaaharaa therein ekaku hayyaru koffi pic.twitter.com/ZZ1YL7f2UY

— Muzayyin Nazim (@tedmaldives) July 28, 2020

The some 150-200 protesters were led by opposition parliamentarians, former parliamentarians, and political appointees during the previous administration.

They demanded the release of former Maldivian President Abdulla Yameen Abdl Gayoom, the opposition leader, who has been convicted for money laundering, and demanded the resignation of senior officials of the current administration.

The protesters disbanded at approximately 11:00 pm after gathering in front of the PPM headquarters.

The protest comes after the police issued a statement appealing for freedom of expression to be exercised in an “appropriate” manner in light of the coronavirus outbreak situation in the country.